Region of Peel

BRAMPTON, ON. (Oct. 8, 2010) – The Region of Peel has adopted its eighth Accessibility Plan.The2010 Accessibility Planrepresents the ongoing process of ensuring Regional programs and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

“As a community, we have made significant strides in raising awareness and improving accessibility for residents, customers and employees who live, work and play in our region,” says Emil Kolb, Regional Chair. “It is our partnerships with other levels of government, private sector businesses, like-minded organizations, and most importantly, the residents of Peel that allow us to continue to break down barriers to ensure accessibility remains a top priority in Peel Region.”

The Accessibility Plan identifies priorities for integrating accessibility components and processes into Regional services and facilities, including eliminating barriers to accessibility. Development of the Plan is co-ordinated by the Region of Peel Accessibility Planning Program and overseen by the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC). The Region of Peel’s AAC is made up of six residents of Peel, the Regional Chair and three members of Council who promote accessibility through education and awareness, and incorporate an accessibility component into the services and programs provided by the Region.

“The Accessibility Advisory Committee has created a foundation for the prevention of future barriers in Peel,” says William Goursky, AAC Chair. “Each member’s passion for positive change, dedication to accessibility initiatives, and input into the development of Peel’s housing projects and Regional strategies has helped to identify and remove existing barriers to ensure Peel remains inclusive for all.”

About 14.8 per cent of Peel’s population – approximately 171,000 residents – live with a disability. That number is expected to increase significantly because of Peel’s aging population. As one of the fastest growing municipalities in Ontario, the Region of Peel is committed to developing effective strategies to give all its residents the same opportunities to participate and fully contribute to the well-being of their communities.

The 2010 Accessibility Plan is available at www.peelregion.ca/corpserv/makingway/makingway10. Hard copy and CD-ROM versions of the plan are also available upon request. For more information, please contact Meenu Sikand, Accessibility Planning Specialist, at 905-791-7800, ext. 4778.

The Regional Municipality of Peel was incorporated in 1974 on the principle that certain community and infrastructure services are most cost-effectively administered over a larger geographic area. The Region of Peel serves more than one million residents in the cities of Brampton and Mississauga and the town of Caledon.